SELEGILINE Meaning and
Definition
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Selegiline is a pharmaceutical drug that belongs to the class of selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), particularly MAO-B inhibitors. MAO-B is an enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as dopamine in the brain, and selegiline acts by inhibiting the activity of this enzyme.
Selegiline is primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. By inhibiting the breakdown of dopamine, selegiline helps to increase the levels of this neurotransmitter, thereby relieving the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and difficulty in movement. It may also enhance the duration and effect of levodopa, another medication commonly used to manage Parkinson's disease.
In addition to its therapeutic use in Parkinson's disease, selegiline has been investigated for its potential antidepressant effects. In lower doses, it acts selectively as a MAO-B inhibitor, while at higher doses, it inhibits both MAO-A and MAO-B enzymes. This dual inhibition of MAO-A and MAO-B can elevate the levels of multiple neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine, which are associated with mood regulation.
Selegiline is available in various forms, including oral tablets and transdermal patches. It is generally well-tolerated, but may cause side effects such as insomnia, dizziness, headache, and gastrointestinal disturbances. As it inhibits the breakdown of certain substances, selegiline requires caution when used concurrently with other medications or foods containing tyramine, as it can lead to a drug interaction called the "cheese effect," causing dangerously high blood pressure.
Overall, selegiline is a pharmaceutical agent primarily used for
Etymology of SELEGILINE
The word "selegiline" is derived from the combination of two components: "selective" and "amphetamines".
The first component, "selective", refers to the drug's ability to selectively inhibit the monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) enzyme, which mainly metabolizes dopamine in the brain. By selectively inhibiting this enzyme, selegiline increases the levels of dopamine, providing therapeutic effects.
The second component, "amphetamines", refers to selegiline's structural similarity to amphetamine drugs, which are known to have stimulant effects on the central nervous system.
Therefore, the word "selegiline" suggests a compound that selectively inhibits MAO-B with a chemical structure similar to amphetamines.
